Beading is one of the easiest and most popular of all crafts. A 2006 survey in Craftrends showed that 42 percent of all crafters now purchase beads annually. Beading is especially hot with under-35ers who can't resist the opportunity to create their own cheap and fashionably funky handcrafted jewelry pieces. In I Love Beading, Juju Vail teaches all the beading basics, from choosing beads, stringing supplies, closures, and jump rings to cutting and working with wire. Those new to the craft will learn a variety of beading stitches from the peyote to the daisy chain; embellishments such as fancy knots and beadweaving; and fun touches such as making tassels and adding beads to buttons, curtains, and clothing. The 25 original projects range from a spiral chain bracelet, earrings, and multistrand necklaces to a woven beaded purse and a sophisticated choker. Each comes with step-bystep instructions, illustrations, and photographs. Perfect for beginners as well as more experienced beaders looking for new ideas, the fi nished projects in I Love Beading will all make great gifts—as will the book itself.

For the true aficionado, nothing’s more exciting than a one-of-a-kind, beautiful bead--be it a flameworked glass orb or a glistening cut gemstone. But what can the obsessed beader do with all those amazing collectables that never fail to catch the eye? They can make these 30 spectacular pieces of jewelry, all dedicated to showcasing the most exquisite beads available! Even newcomers can achieve success, thanks to a thorough basics section with enough hand-holding for the most intimidated beginner. The instructions cover it all, from fashioning a simple ear wire to enlarging the bead’s hole. Create a lariat with one large, stunning bead on each end. Coil silver wire around a purchased chain, and add carved wooden beads. Loop candy-colored resin beads onto stretchy elastic cords for bold, slip-on bangles. They’re fun to make and to wear! A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.

A stunning collection of original design featuring Swarovski crystal beads. Includes clear instructions for dozens of contemporary, wearable designs.

Learn to craft one-of-a-kind miniature boxes in a variety of shapes no matter your skill level with this assortment of twelve charming beadwork designs. Julia S. Pretl offers crafters her original method for creating decorative beaded boxes and lids in a wide range of surface designs and shapes. Working only with cylinder and seed beads, needle and thread, crafters can create an impressive array of clever and colorful miniature containers. With step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow word graphs and patterns, Pretl leads the reader through the techniques for creating three-sided, five-sided, and six-sided rectangular, square, and stacked boxes. Four-color photographs of each of the 12 designs introduce each set of instructions. Detailed drawings illustrate the beading techniques.

Keiko's unique approach to ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, combines traditional techniques with modern tastes. Her influences--which range from sculpture to today's Western floral design--come together to create one-of-a-kind arrangements that are authentic and eye-catching, simple and graceful, and possible for anyone to achieve. This book presents step-by-step instructions for creating 20 stunning ikebana arrangements in a range of sizes and styles. Each of the flower arrangements can be completed in just three simple steps and uses easy-to-find floral materials and containers. The book also includes an introduction to the history of ikebana as it relates to Japan and Japanese culture, as well as a guide to the basic rules of ikebana design and floral techniques. Suggestions for finding and choosing materials and supplies make it easy to learn how to arrange flowers and gain a hands-on appreciation of the art of Japanese flower arranging.

Mastering the Art of Beading will do for jewelry making what Julia Child did for French food. In this definitive guide to all things beads, expert jewelry maker Genevieve A. Sterbenz covers all of the terms, tools, skills, and shortcuts necessary for creating beautiful beaded jewelry. With more than 800 how-to photographs, detailed and illustrated techniques, a photographic glossary, and useful resources, this book is packed to the brim with beading essentials. In addition, Sterbenz presents step-by-step instructions for 50 stunning projects in a range of techniques and styles. An accessible compendium dissecting every aspect of this popular craft, Mastering the Art of Beading will be the resource craftersdabblers and experts alikewill want on their bookshelf for years to come.